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Prior slated to pitch for Reds on Thursday

Mark Prior discusses playing in Triple-A and working his way back to the big leagues, while working through the ups and downs of the game

By Mark Sheldon
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MLB.com |

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- On Thursday, when the Reds face the A's, former All-Star pitcher Mark Prior is slated to come over from the Minor League camp and get an inning of work in relief. Ace Johnny Cueto is scheduled to start the game.

The Reds signed Prior to a Minor League contract on March 1, which allowed him to continue a lengthy comeback from reconstructive shoulder surgery. The 32-year-old has not pitched in the Majors since 2006 and has spent recent years in the Minors and an independent league.

"I have a pretty good idea what he can do," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "I know he's been training and working. I just hope that he's far enough along and ready to pitch the way we know he can pitch, if he's had enough time. Maybe somewhere down the road here, he can help us."

Baker was the manager of the Cubs when Prior was the team's young phenom starter that enjoyed an 18-win season in 2003.

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.